Blog

What size water heater do I need for my home?

It’s time to replace your water heater, but what size should you get? Replacing like-for-like isn’t always the best option because your household’s needs can change. A water heater that’s too small can’t keep up with demand, and one that’s too big wastes energy, ratcheting up your energy bill unnecessarily. Use this guide to figure out the tank size that will best suit your needs. Or, if you’d prefer some personal help making your decision,

Read More »

Can a water heater explode?

Most of us just take our water heaters for granted. Whether we’re enjoying a piping hot shower or tossing in a load of laundry, we have grown accustomed to the convenience of having our water warmed quickly and with ease. Most times, we may even forget that we even have a water heater. However, like everything else in the home, water heaters do require upkeep and maintenance. And, anytime you possess an appliance that relies

Read More »

What Are the Most Energy-Efficient Water Heaters?

A good water heater can significantly improve your home’s energy usage. In fact, water heaters consume an average of 18% of your home’s energy consumption. However, you don’t want to simply get the smallest water heater available. The best option also provides enough hot water for your family. How To Choose an Energy-Efficient Water Heater At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we can help you choose the right water heater for your home. In general, we find

Read More »

What is the best temperature setting for my water heater?

Finding the ideal temperature for your water heater is crucial for maximum comfort, safety, and energy efficiency, but it can be challenging. Although 120 degrees Fahrenheit is the standard setting for most water heaters, homeowners often adjust it to their liking to solve safety issues or save money on energy bills. The ideal temperature for your home will depend on your wants, the needs of the people living there, and other variables such as energy

Read More »

Pex Vs. Copper Piping

Plumbing is the home’s vascular system, and making major upgrades can be intimidating. When it’s time for new pipes, many homeowners prefer copper, the age-old standard, or PEX, the simple piping solution. Find out what makes these materials stand out and which comes out on top. Installation Ease and Cost First things first: what financial and structural damage can homeowners expect with installation? You need to know the cost before calculating value. Installing new pipes

Read More »

How do I know if my home needs new piping?

Plumbing piping can endure decades of use, but how long it lasts depends on several factors, including how well it’s maintained and its material. However, it will reach its lifespan at some point. If you’ve been wondering about the signs that your Bradenton, Florida, home needs new piping, the following are some of the ones you need to know. There Are Often Strange Noises You shouldn’t hear any noises coming from your pipes other than

Read More »

How often do homes need to be repiped?

There is no doubt that the thought of repiping can strike fear into every homeowner’s heart. After all, repiping is one of the most significant home projects you can undertake. Fortunately, it can be an efficient and smooth process if you approach it in the right way. Your first step should be to reach out to a company like Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Repiping is a project that should almost never be DIY, and it will

Read More »

Can my pipes be repaired or do I need to replace?

There’s no need to stress about choosing between a pipe repair or a full replacement. Making the right choice becomes much easier when you know which types of plumbing issues benefit more from repairs and which types benefit from replacement. The right choice really depends on a few key factors, like the extent of the damage and the type of pipes you have. What Kind of Plumbing Problems Benefit From Repairs? One of the easiest

Read More »

Why does soft water feel slimy in the shower?

If you’ve noticed that your softened water feels slippery or even slimy when you’re showering, you may wonder if it’s clean and fresh. The truth is, your water is probably perfectly safe, but it behaves differently than the hard water you’re used to. Fortunately, with a few adjustments, you can ensure that using showering with softened water is a refreshing experience. Why Does My Water Feel Slimy? When your water feels slimy, the sensation probably

Read More »

Is the Water in Bradenton Hard or Soft?

Do you ever step out of the shower and your skin feels slightly…parched? Maybe you’ve just moved here, and you’re noticing that it takes a lot longer for your skin serums to sink in — and your hair suddenly feels very dry. This feeling of dryness is likely not just your imagination. If you live in Bradenton, these issues are probably caused by the hard water in this area! What Causes the Hard Water in

Read More »